{"id":355919,"date":"2019-10-25T12:04:05","date_gmt":"2019-10-25T17:04:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/license-plate-lights.html"},"modified":"2023-11-29T10:27:53","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T15:27:53","slug":"license-plate-lights","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/license-plate-lights.html","title":{"rendered":"License Plate Light Tickets"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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License Plate Light Tickets<\/h1>\n
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\n By Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

In some states, driving with your front or rear license plate light burned out can get you a traffic ticket. These tickets are often called \u201cfix-it tickets<\/a>." They can come with fines, but always include a warning to fix the issue as soon as possible. Sometimes, the fines can be hundreds of dollars or become more significant if police stop you for the same issue again.<\/p>\r\n

These lights ensure your license plates are visible at night and in other low-visibility conditions. They help law enforcement identify the vehicle<\/a> and ensure plate details are easily readable.<\/p>\r\n

You likely notice when your car’s headlights or taillights burn out, but how often do you check the lights that shine on your license plates? For most vehicles, these lights do not turn on until you start your engine and switch on your lights. This makes it hard to spot if one burns out, as you’re likely already behind the wheel.<\/p>\r\n

Rear and front license plate lights are part of most vehicles’ lighting systems. Some car models have these lights subtly tucked away or hidden. The rear license plate light is often called a tag light.<\/p>\r\n

Knowing the laws in your state<\/a> can help you avoid a ticket for license plate lighting or other traffic offenses.<\/p>\r\n

Vehicle Codes and State Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Every state has a vehicle code with rules and regulations for cars, motorcycles, semitrailers, and other motor vehicles. The rules for license plates are often found in the law sections for mechanical violations<\/a> or vehicle modifications<\/a>. It varies by state, but most of these codes say that license plates must:<\/p>\r\n